Tax Identification Number (TIN)

What is a Tax Identification Number / TIN?

A tax or taxpayer identification number, also known as a TIN for short, is a number issued to individuals and organizations to track tax obligations and payments they make to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is issued by the federal government. A TIN can be assigned by the Social Security Administration for individuals, or by the IRS for businesses and other organizations.

Types of Tax ID Numbers

A TIN is a generic term and refers to several different kinds of identifying numbers, which include:

A social security number issued to an individual

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), issued to non-U.S. citizens currently residing, and often working, in the U.S.

An Employer Identification Number (EIN) issued to businesses and non-profit organizations

An Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN), for children in the process of being adopted from outside the U.S.